Thai Researcher develops fiber from discarded durian peels

A doctoral graduate from Chulalongkorn University has developed Thailand’s first woven textile fibre made from discarded durian peels, turning one of the country’s largest agricultural waste sources into a sustainable fashion material with global potential.

Dr. Usa Prachakul, a doctoral graduate from the Faculty of Fine and Applied Arts at Chulalongkorn University, created the project titled Circular Textile Innovation from Durian Peel Waste to Anti-bacterial Clothing. Her research transforms durian peel waste into textile fibres that offer higher breathability than pure silk and nearly 100 percent antibacterial properties. The fibre has been used to create fashion and lifestyle products under the brand MUW, which combines natural materials with art and spiritual concepts.

The researcher focused on finding a sustainable alternative to burning and dumping durian peels. By applying material science and design thinking, she developed a fibre that not only reduces agricultural waste but also provides functional benefits, such as natural antibacterial performance and improved comfort, without the use of chemical treatments.

According to the researcher, the project shows how agricultural waste can be viewed as a valuable resource rather than a problem. By combining scientific research with design and cultural storytelling, the durian-peel fibre demonstrates strong potential for large-scale production, new income opportunities, and reduced environmental impact from Thailand’s expanding durian industry.